Leviathan Wakes is the first of nine full-length novels in a best-selling science fiction saga that includes eight novellas and short stories, several comic books, and a TV adaptation called The Expanse. James S. A. Corey, the author’s name, is a pen name for collaborators Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. Both Abraham and Franck served as assistants for George R. R. Martin, author of the Song of Ice and Fire fantasy series.

Published in 2011, Leviathan Wakes is a multigenre work. Franck originally conceived the series as a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), until Abraham suggested reimagining the narrative as a book series, given the depth of the narrative. On the surface, it is hard science fiction in the space opera subcategory, but it has a strong sociopolitical current. It is also a drama that addresses racism, environmental collapse, corporate greed, and political demagoguery. It is epic in scope while highlighting personal issues like the meaning of family and home, and the human need for interpersonal connections and purpose.

The nine-book series includes Leviathan Wakes (2011), Caliban’s War (2012), Abaddon’s Gate (2013), Cibola Burn (2014), Nemesis Games (2015), Babylon’s Ashes (2016), Persepolis Rises (2017), Tiamat’s Wrath (2019), and Leviathan Falls (2021).